Toxic chemical BPA turns up in dollar bills

Toxic chemical BPA turns up in dollar bills

Story Published: Dec 8, 2010 at 8:26 PM PST

Story Updated: Dec 8, 2010 at 8:26 PM PST

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Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, is linked to reproductive disorders, altered brain development, and in some cases, a higher risk of cancer. There is an especially strong concern about the long-term effect on babies and small children.

The chemical is heavily used in the production of plastic food and beverage containers, including baby bottles and the linings of food cans.

But we're also being exposed to BPA through certain credit card and sales receipts- so-called "thermal" receipts, which are made with the powdery BPA substance that is not "bound" inside plastic and resins, as with bottles and can liners.

"And we now know that BPA on a thermal credit card receipt transfers from that receipt onto the skin," said Richard Denison of the Environmental Defense Fund.

http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/111572034.html